Ebonyi Governor Explains Delay in Paying ₦90,000 Minimum Wage to SUBEB Teachers

Governor Francis Nwifuru has explained why the ₦90,000 minimum wage for teachers under the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (EBUBEB) has not yet been implemented across local government councils in Ebonyi State.

Speaking during the distribution of instructional materials to public schools at the EBUBEB headquarters along the Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway, the governor said the delay is largely due to the ongoing settlement of gratuity arrears owed to retired local government workers.

According to him, the state’s 13 local government councils are currently prioritising the payment of outstanding retirement benefits, which has reduced their financial capacity to immediately implement the new wage structure for teachers employed at the basic education level.

Governor Nwifuru noted that after settling gratuities, many local governments are left with limited funds to manage administrative responsibilities. He explained that most councils receive less than ₦150 million after meeting gratuity obligations, making it difficult to introduce the new salary structure immediately without affecting local governance.

The governor appealed to teachers working under the board to remain patient, assuring them that the new minimum wage would be implemented once the backlog of gratuity payments is cleared. He expressed confidence that the process could be completed within two months, after which the ₦90,000 wage would begin to apply to affected teachers.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had earlier threatened industrial action over the delay, but the governor said discussions with union leaders helped avert the planned strike while the state works toward resolving the issue.

Call for More Skills-Based Education

Beyond the wage issue, the governor also called for stronger integration of vocational and technical education into Nigeria’s basic education system. He suggested that practical skills and innovation-based learning should be introduced from the upper basic level to better prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.

According to him, the current education structure places too much emphasis on theoretical knowledge while neglecting practical competencies that young people need in the labour market.

He stressed that restructuring the curriculum to include skills training could help address youth unemployment and equip graduates with more relevant capabilities.

Instructional Materials Distributed to Public Schools

At the event, a representative of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr. Isaac Ochinwo, said the distribution of instructional materials is part of the commission’s mandate to improve access to quality basic education.

The items supplied, valued at approximately ₦15 million, include textbooks for nursery and primary schools, desktop computers, writing materials, classroom furniture, and sports equipment.

Chairperson of EBUBEB, Patience Ogodo, disclosed that 240 public schools across the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State benefited from the first phase of the programme.

She said the materials distributed include thousands of English and Mathematics textbooks, exercise books, school bags, sandals, pencils, plastic chairs, rubber mats, classroom seats, and computers aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions in public schools.

Ogodo encouraged teachers and school administrators to safeguard the materials and ensure they are properly used to strengthen foundational literacy, digital learning, and overall education quality in the state.